There seems to be no stopping the growth in attendance at Anzac Day dawn service remembrance ceremonies in Sutherland Shire.
Two years after the centenary of the Gallipoli landing, several RSL sub-branch officials said they had never seen bigger numbers than at this morning’s ceremonies.
Well over 5000 people turned out at both Cronulla and Miranda, and there were more than 3000 at Engadine.
Woronora, which normally hosts one of the smallest dawn services, attracted more than 1000 people.
Monro Park in Cronulla was overflowing.
“It was probably the biggest I’ve seen in the 10 years I have been involved,” said Cronulla RSL Sub-branch president Cory Rinaldi.
“There was no space for anybody, but everyone was in such high spirits – it was a pleasure to be involved.”
Mr Rinaldi said the huge numbers “could have something to do with the centenary or with more modern conflicts making people more aware”.
“But, I think the main thing is the Anzac spirit we all talk about.
“People are very proud of those who serve our country and they want to show support and respect.
“It’s a day when you are proud to be Australian.”
Mr Rinaldi said despite the space limitations of Monro Park, he wouldn’t like to see the ceremony moved to Cronulla Park, as happened in 2015.
“It may not have the same atmosphere,” he said.
Those who attended the Caringbah ceremony had the earliest start.
The ceremony always starts at 4.30am – the same as at the Sydney Cenotaph – the hour at which Australian troops began landing at Gallipoli.
Caringbah RSL Sub-branch secretary Bob Tuckwell said the attendance was estimated to be more than 1000, “similar to our biggest numbers two years ago for the centenary”.
”You couldn’t move in the memorial park, and there were crowds stretching right along Port Hacking Road.
“We gave every child a poppy to lay on the memorial.”
There was a huge turnout at Miranda, with the crowd spilling a long way up Central Road.
Miranda RSL Sub-branch president Mike Molloy said there appeared to be more than the 5000 people, who attended last year.
“The number of kids is unbelievable,” he said.
Treasurer Arie Havenaar, who acted as MC, told the gathering, “It’s amazing to stand here and see so many faces”.
Mr Havenaar said the number of school children present was “overwhelming”, and he said this reflected on their teachers.
Woronora RSL Sub-branch president Barry Grant said their turnout was “fabulous”.
“Since 2015, our numbers have increased each year,” he said.
“Parking used to be a problem, but the council is now allowing us to use the sports fiels and the Rural Fire Service organises that.”
